español · B2 · verb · 4 minutes
Tener in the present subjunctive
Extend tengo into the subjunctive stem teng- across every person.
Understand the choice
The present subjunctive of tener extends the irregular yo stem tengo into teng-. Use it when having, experiencing, or needing something is placed under a wish, evaluation, doubt, or non-specific search.
Core rule: The present subjunctive uses the irregular yo stem teng- for every person.
Notice it in context
Es importante que tengas tiempo y que tengamos un plan.
It is important that you have time and that we have a plan.
The present subjunctive uses the irregular yo stem teng- for every person.
Busco a alguien que tenga experiencia.
I am looking for someone with experience.
An unknown person triggers tenga.
Ojalá tengan un buen viaje.
I hope they have a good trip.
Ojalá triggers plural tengan.
What to remember
- The series is tenga, tengas, tenga, tengamos, tengáis, tengan.
- Tengamos keeps teng- even though present-indicative tenemos does not.
Common trap: Do not use tienes after a subjunctive trigger with a changed subject: es importante que tengas tiempo, not que tienes tiempo.